Andy’s Favorite: Mahina
There are many reasons to love Mahina, and here Andy talks about a few of them.
Week in Review: January 5 — 11
A haiku for this week’s Week in Review: Weekend is over It is time to look back on What we did last week
Round-Up at Grange Supply
We want to give a huge thank you to Grange Supply, for their Round-up for SAFE fundraising campaign this holiday season! In November and December, Grange Supply customers had the opportunity to round up their purchase amount or make a donation supporting the horses at…
Edward over Cavalettis
In the new year, Edward has made it his resolution to try new things. including popping over a few cavalettis under saddle. We think Edward looks quite striking in english tack, and he certainly doesn’t seem to have anything bad to say about it. Edward is just…
One Smart Mare: Bandit
Bandit may be on the older side, but her mind is sharp as a tack. A recent anecdote to prove such as true: One of the last times I (Lily) haltered Bandit, it was to hold her for the veterinarian. This was already a demerit against my character, but made even worse…
Meghan’s Favorite: Mirana
There are many reasons to love Mirana, and here Meghan talks about a few of them.
Free Forever, Autumn
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Autumn has passed away following a tragic accident in which she suffered a broken leg due to a kick. While such incidents are rare, they are an unfortunate risk when horses are turned out in herds. The team at Freedom…
Trixie’s Life at Foster
What has Trixie been up to at foster — apart from living her best life? Well, bossing miss Rae around for one — but is it really considered ‘bossing’ when you’re just setting a boundary? These two are thick as thieves, but even the best of friends need to remind one…
Week in Review: December 30 — January 4
Can you believe it’s already 2025? We hope you had a happy and healthy start to your New Year. Here at SAFE we are setting our goals and intentions for this brand new year — in amongst all of our regularly scheduled programming, of course.
Alumni Update: Roscoe
Roscoe looks wonderful and has a great little herd to run with all day. Fantasia (32-year-old-mare), Ebby (4‑year-old gelding) and Hazel (15-year-old mare). Plus, Bam and Daisy, the very large goaties! Kasey and Roscoe ride regularly on trails, doing arena work, in…
Snohomish Animal Control Officer Training
We managed to squeeze in one last event before the end of the year — a training for a new officer at Snohomish County Animal Control! Officer Cameron was warmly greeted by our barn cats before spending the day learning some of the many things there are to learn about…
Year in Review 2024
In the spirit of the recent week in review recaps, we decided to broaden our scope a bit and show you a taste of what happened each month of 2024. There is no true way to encapsulate all that the year held, but please accept this brief snapshot of a few of the things…
2024 Volunteer of the Year: Carrie Sjaarda
At SAFE, our mission is centered around helping horses heal, gain a solid foundation and education, and find their forever families. Each year, we take a moment to celebrate a volunteer whose extraordinary dedication, kindness, and passion embody our mission and…
Harissa and the Can Bag
Here is a showcase of Harissa vs. the Can Bag. Clearly, Harissa: 1, Can Bag: 0. Harissa sure has come a long way in her own self-confidence, and as a result, feels no fear about showing the can bag who is boss! This process of ‘sacking out’ is not just for fun — it…
Alumni Update: Boone (Mr. Fezziweg)
Boone (now Mr. Fezziweg) was adopted from SAFE in late November 2020. His adopted family had just seen the show A Christmas Carol, and Mr. Fezziweg was the name of Scrooge’s first boss at the counting house. Mr. Fezziweg was the jolly fellow that gave the wonderful…
Bijou is Adopted!
Many of us have dreamt of a horse beneath our Christmas tree, but this year it is Blair’s reality. We could not be happier to announce that our dearest Bijou is a failure — a foster failure! This sweet sugar plum has been having the time of her life over in…
Thanksgiving in December (or: A Turkey’s Wish)
Author’s Note: To read this year’s Christmas-adjacent story, you must understand two things: the first is that SAFE has a resident turkey, and the second is that, while humans do exist in this story, they somehow do not witness the goings on. All of the horses and…
Week in Review: December 15 — 21
As we enter the final stretch before the holidays, it’s just business as usual here at SAFE. Aside from being surrounded by festive cheer, very little changes occur around the farm. Each day, horses are fed, watered, and mucked. Our farriers and vets still come out.…
Alumni Update: Sundae (Neapolitan)
Neapolitan (formerly Sundae) is doing very well. She is easy to handle and her adopter, Cheryl, hopes to do some in-hand trail classes with her.
Alumni Update: Frosting (Shawnee)
A note and photos from Frosting’s adopter, Ann L. I am so excited to welcome Shawnee, aka Frosting, as my new family member. It’s been a week to the day since I brought her home. So far, she has proven to be such a special girl with a heart of gold and curiosity,…
Bijou’s Beautiful Days
Bijou has been living the good life at her foster home, settling well into the herd alongside foster brother, Bear, and sister, Roulette. The three make quite a trio, romping and playing and generally enjoying each other’s company. Western Washington has transformed…
Zuri: Caring for Our Beloved Senior Mare
Zuri has had us all concerned over the past few weeks. Several times, staff received calls during night checks reporting that Zuri was down and not getting up for her evening mash. Each time, Bonnie came down to check on her, and fortunately, it was determined that…
Alumni Update: Lucca
Lucca is living the good life with her adopter Jane, spending time riding trails. Lucca enjoys the company of four other horses in her herd. While Lucca is at the bottom of the herd hierarchy, her sweet disposition makes her a favorite among the other horses.
Happy Sweet 16, Sunny D!
Penned by: Best Buddy to Shasta & Sunny After the bomb cyclone hit Western Washington and before the official start of Thanksgiving week, Sunny D turned Sweet 16 on November 23! Where has the time gone? The little guy was only 3 when he and his Mama, Shasta,…
Ranger’s Friend
Ranger comes with a built in friend, and no, we don’t mean Mabel. Between his eyes, the points of two ears begin, tapering down to a mule-esque face that ends at the mid-point of his nostrils. It even boasts a cross-shaped star. Luckily, these two share a mouth,…
Week in Review: December 8 — 14
Midway through December, which means lots of rain, lots of grey skies, and lots going on. Last week was a big week for our farriers, and the majority of our herd saw the vet for their bi-annual vaccines. In amongst all that was the usual: riding, groundwork, and a lot…
Alumni Update: Sophie
Julie and Sophie are a great pair! Julie adopted Sophie around Christmas in 2016 and they have worked on their teamwork and relationship ever since. Julie recently wrote that 2024 “represented a recommitment to prioritizing my horsemanship, my on-going education, and…
Alumni Update: Misty
Alumni volunteer Christine recently shared information after a visit with Misty and her adopter Sarah. Sarah has such a deep bond with Misty, and it’s truly heartwarming to see how dedicated she is to Misty’s well-being. It is clear that Misty is not only loved but…
Frosting is Adopted!
We can think of no sweeter end to the week than announcing Frosting has been adopted! Though she wasn’t born at SAFE, Frosting arrived as a yearling, and as such we got to watch her grow up, transforming from a gangly and matted filly into a beautiful young mare. At…
Alumni Update: Kayla
Kayla is doing well and has the company of six other horses. Kayla is not a riding horse, but she has a job helping her adopter, Laura, with her counseling/therapy clients.
Week in Review: December 1 — 7
The first week of December is over. It has been a busy end to fall (and can you believe it’s still fall? The winter temperatures say otherwise). Last week, our vet was here for quite a few imaging appointments. She also worked in conjunction with our farrier to help…
Alumni Update: Jupiter (Apollo)
From Jupiter’s adopter, Marissa: Adoption Day! So, so, so incredibly grateful for every single SAFE member who poured their time, energy and love into Jupiter, now known as Apollo. He is amazing, and that is because of you!! This journey has begun.
Jupiter is Adopted!
Jupiter has been adopted! Jupiter’s story is one of patience. After arriving at SAFE, being gelded and restarted under saddle, Jupiter had quite a bit of interest. A handsome cremello with a kind personality, what’s not to love? But some soundness issues cropped up,…
Marvelous Moshi
Casey A has been working and riding Moshi for the last several months, and has the following to say about bringing this cute pony along: “Moshi is turning into an incredibly fun partner. She is great to work around on the ground, stands tied, loads onto the trailer no…
Domino and Oreo are Adopted!
What’s black and white and read all over? Domino and Oreo – and their adoption announcement! Telling you that one of the SAFE horses has been adopted is always such a joy, and that joy is only compounded when we get to say that not just one, but two horses, have found…
Alumni Update: Addie
Addie was originally adopted so that Nicole’s daughter, Maddie, could participate with her in her Washington State High School Equestrian Team events. However, while Addie seemed to enjoy the cutting event she attended, she did not take to all the down time in a small…
Theo’s Thorough Vetting: A Unique Opportunity for Adopters
When it comes to pre-purchase exams, Theo’s journey has left no stone unturned! What began as a routine exam for a potential adopter quickly evolved into a comprehensive lameness evaluation. Dr. Lewis from Rainland, our trusted vet, stepped in with her expert eye and…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Cleopatra
Kirsten L has been working with Cleopatra on the ground, and partnered alongside her for Cleo’s first Joel Conner clinic back in October. Here’s her report on working alongside Cleo: “When you first meet Cleopatra, give yourself a few moments to ensure that you have…
Alumni Update: Razin (Logan)
Logan is besties with one of Heather’s dogs and he likes to play with assorted toys in the pasture. Heather has taken Logan to some Evan Bonner clinics and when she works her big horse, Liam, in the round pen, she follows with a session with Logan.
Lacey is Adopted!
The year is 2016. Hamilton is making waves on Broadway. The summer Olympics are happening in Rio. The cubs win the World Series. Lacey arrives at SAFE. Over the next eight years, a lot would change, both out in the world and here at the barn. SAFE would move…
Har Har’s Heart
Lexee N has been working with Harissa for the last several months on the ground, getting her ready for her first saddling. Here’s what she has to say about their time together recently: “Working with Harissa has been great. She is one classy gal. By classy, I mean she…
Alumni Update: Millie
Millie is very sweet and loves her adopter Hollie and her pasture buddy, Maddy. Millie is not a riding horse and when Maddy is taken out on trails, Millie stays in a small paddock area. Millie loves to scratch and enjoys her scratching post in the paddock area. Also,…
Movin’ and Groovin’ with Poppy
Casey A has been working and riding Poppy for some time now, and has the following to say about little Pop: “It’s funny how with troubled horses it can sometimes feel worse before it feels better. When I started Poppy, she was pretty “stuck” and wasn’t keen on really…
Alumni Update: Piper
Piper’s adopter Talia had this news to share: Piper and I had our first weekly riding lesson together yesterday and she was such a good girl! It’s been a busy year (years?) and I’ve struggled to fit in as much horsing around as I’d like. It helps to have something on…
Meet Mabel: A Sweet Mare Starting Her Journey at SAFE
This little mare is absolutely adorable! Mabel is sure to win the hearts of SAFE volunteers in no time. In these early days of training, we’re taking things slow to give her time to adjust to her new surroundings. Moving to SAFE, along with adapting to new routines…
Rediscovering Nova: A Journey Beyond Hormones
It’s time for a long-overdue update on our mare, Nova! This summer, Nova has enjoyed a growing friendship with Harissa. They make a great pair, with Harissa helping to keep Nova grounded when she gets a little too bold. Overall, Nova has shown significant improvements…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Edward
Kaya M has been riding Edward for the last year, and has the following reflection regarding their last clinic together of 2024: “Edward had a wonderful last clinic of the year! He really showed how much he’s learned and was starting to “play with the big dogs” working…
Alumni Update: Rae
Christina provided a couple of new photos of Rae. She wrote: Hard to pic a favorite… but I can always share more later. Looking back at photos from the March 2024 to August 2024 clinics at SAFE it’s no wonder some folks had to ask if it was really Rae! She’s…
Esme’s Clinic Adventures: A Summer of Growth
This little pony has so much heart! Summer has been eventful for Esme, filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. She earned her position as my riding partner at both the Spanaway and Ellensburg Buck Brannaman clinics, and she rose to each challenge…
Alumni Update: Nyx
Lindsay shared this update and photos from September. Had an amazing weekend at Quinn Meadows in central Oregon with Nyx. He’s just the best trail buddy I could have ever dreamed of…still some work to do with mountain bikers, but we can’t be perfect at everything.…
